For those living with a spinal cord injury, it’s also an opportunity to redefine personal goals, accept change and improve self-image.
Adapting to life after a spinal cord injury comes with its challenges but it’s also a chance to rebuild confidence, find new passions and take positive steps towards a fulfilling future.
In this article, we’ll look at how you can reinvent yourself after a spinal cord injury, the importance of mental health and how Aspire Law can help you look to your future with a positive mindset.
The emotional journey of adapting to life after a spinal cord injury
The psychological effects of a spinal cord injury can be very overwhelming, no matter how emotionally strong you may feel. In the initial adjustment period feelings of uncertainty, frustration and grief are incredibly common. These feelings can turn into mental health problems as your physical health adjusts.
Again, the psychological effects of spinal cord injury are not to be taken lightly. For yourself and your family members, there is a lot to overcome. But don’t worry there’s plenty you can do to improve your mental health, coping strategies and overall life satisfaction.
It’s fair to say the emotional impact of a spinal cord injury can lead to social withdrawal, a decreased quality of life and struggles with self-image.
But the start of a new year is the perfect time to shift perspectives. Instead of focusing on what has changed it can be helpful to focus on what is still possible and put steps in place during the adjustment process and beyond. Accepting new challenges and finding ways to overcome them can have a positive impact on your well-being.
Improving your self-image after a SCI
One of the biggest challenges after a SCI is adapting to physical changes and maintaining self-esteem. Many people experience a personality change after spinal cord injury or face psychological distress as they come to terms with their new reality.
But a little self-care can work wonders for your self-image and the psychological effects of spinal cord injury.
Focus on what you can do
A spinal cord injury is a big change to your lifestyle and it’s natural to feel frustrated with daily tasks.
Adapting to a new way of living may require changes to your daily life, but finding ways to regain independence can boost your confidence. Small achievements whether through rehabilitation, learning new skills or adapting personal care routines all contribute to feeling progress.
But it’s not just about carrying out day-to-day tasks successfully. Despite a spinal cord injury, there is plenty to enjoy in life. Adaptive sports can be a great way to meet new people, enjoy some healthy competitiveness and most importantly, have fun.
From wheelchair rugby to table tennis, these sports demonstrate that you can do a lot more than you may think after a SCI.
Engage in self-care
It’s incredibly important to look after both your physical and mental health. Physical activity even in adapted forms can improve mental well-being and overall quality of life.
However, exercise isn’t the only form of self-care. Take some time to enjoy other things in life that improve your mental health and make you feel at ease, such as reading.
Seek peer support
One of the best ways to find support is to talk to others who have had a spinal cord injury. Building these relationships can form the foundation of this new chapter of your life. By talking to others with similar experiences this can give you reassurance, encouragement and motivation.
It can also help you build strong relationships with those who have both a mental and physical understanding of your injury. After all, a traumatic spinal cord injury is a lot for anyone to deal with, so it’s important to take advantage of community resources, as well as seek support and comfort from others who have been in a similar position.
Whether you join local support groups, online communities or rehabilitation programmes, these can all be a great source of help.
Challenge negative thoughts
Mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety, can affect self-esteem. It’s natural for cognitive impairment, physical pain and other medical problems to contribute to feelings of frustration, but recognising negative self-talk and countering it is just as important.
It’s hard to ignore the impact of a spinal cord injury, but focusing on strengths and a positive future can contribute to combating negative feelings.
Rebuilding confidence and moving forward: Life after spinal cord injury
While physical medicine and medical treatment play a key role in rehabilitation, self-image and self-worth are just as important in adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury.
For many, setting new goals, whether finding a new job, engaging in a hobby, or improving relationships, can bring a renewed sense of purpose. Community resources and support systems, including family members, can also make a positive impact during this adjustment process.
Reinventing yourself after an injury is not about erasing the past, but about embracing the future. A new year brings new opportunities to focus on personal growth, mental well-being, and self-acceptance.
Contact Aspire Law
We’re here to support you in this new chapter of your life after a spinal cord injury. Whether it’s transforming your home to become more accessible, helping you to acquire a compensation package or providing long-term assistance, Aspire Law is by your side.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services and how we can help.
